Crunch, Crunch

I don't eat out much, can't afford it, but the local ethnic restaurants are cheap and this is a favorite I pick up from a local Thai place a couple of times a week.

THAI CUCUMBER SALAD WITH ROASTED PEANUTS

1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce (nam pla)*
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons minced seeded jalapeño chili (about 1 large) or one Thai red chile, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 English hothouse cucumbers, halved, seeded, thinly sliced
3/4 cup sliced red onion
3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons coarsely chopped lightly salted roasted peanuts

Whisk first 5 ingredients in medium bowl. Place cucumbers, onion, and mint in large bowl. Add dressing and toss to coat. Season salad to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with peanuts and serve.

*Available at Asian markets and in the Asian foods section of many supermarkets.

If you are having friends over for satay, this is the obligatory side dish in Indonesia, Maylaysia and Holland. It's almost grill time here in Virginny.